During an exclusive League Winners interview, cornerback Lawrence Johnson spoke about his journey to the FAU Owls.
Lawrence Johnson, one of the youngest FAU Owls, is looking forward to contributing on the field in any way possible.
In an exclusive interview with the League Winners, cornerback Lawrence Johnson spoke about his first college football experiences, how they have shaped him as a player, and what he hopes to accomplish in the future. The Miami Palmetto High School product offered great insight into how he operates as a player and what he wants to bring to the table for the Owls.
Interview with FAU cornerback Lawrence Johnson
When asked about his first college experience as a player, Johnson called it a little shocking but said it has been “great” overall.
“The most shocking part has been the speed of the game. It’s a lot faster, but my coaches and my teammates, the older guys and the seniors, they do a great job of making sure the young guys are well prepared and ready to go out there when their name is called.”
Johnson added to this statement when he was asked how the college game changed him as a player.
“It just matures you. It just helps you lock into the details of the game. The coaches and staff make sure that we are well-prepared. Making sure that we do what we need to do, handling our business in the film room, and making sure that we are on top of our game.”
Johnson did not offer a primary example in this regard but rather a more general statement about how coaching pays off for young secondary players.
“When guys real young are out there performing, and they look older than their years, that is a big example of the coaching and the players teaching and giving tips to the younger guys. Making sure that when something happens, this is what you have to do. They ensure you are prepared and one step ahead of the game. ”
Shifting gears away from the field, I asked Johnson how he chose FAU out of the schools that offered him scholarships. To put it simply, Johnson picked a place where he felt “wanted.”
“I chose FAU based on where I felt wanted, where I felt needed. Rather than how much I wanted to go there. The coaches here made me feel a part of their family from the first moment I got offered. They were bombarding me with texts, checking up on me, not even about football. Asking me about how I am doing and asking if I am okay. When I came here on my first visit, they ensured I felt welcomed and at home.
The DB coaches do a great job making sure that we are prepared. You do not have to be the fastest or strongest guy, but as long as you can read your keys and know what you are doing, you will be in the right spot. And they do a great job with that.”
Shifting back to the field, Johnson said his favorite part of playing defense is “being on the field with the other ten guys around me.”
“Just knowing that there is pressure and that I’m playing for something bigger than myself. That’s the biggest thing about it. You have people depending on you, and people are excited and happy to see you go out there and succeed. It’s all about helping the team win.”
Johnson cited “quarters coverage” as his favorite type of coverage to play on defense. He said that due to the amount of reps they practice the coverage, it “feels like second nature” at this point to play it.
I also asked Johnson about contributing on special teams for the FAU Owls. The freshman cornerback had two blocked field goals during his senior year of high school, so I wanted to hear his perspective on being a multi-faceted player.
“It’s very important to play special teams. Here, there is a very big emphasis on special teams. It is as important as the other phases of the game. We really emphasize changing the game and flipping the field. It’s a huge part of the game that’s been overlooked. ”
To close out the interview, I asked Johnson what his goals are and what he wants to accomplish at FAU.
“My goals are to keep thriving, keep grinding, keep elevating, and take my game to the next level. But also help the team win and get us to a championship. I want to help the team win and help create a dynasty here.”
Johnson has a great mentality as a player and the talent to produce on the field. Based on his answers, Johnson looks to be a key contributor sooner rather than later for the Owls, whether on defense or special teams.
